($456) Cost to ship a car from Pittsburgh, PA to Dayton, OH
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 255 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Dayton, Ohio, generally falls between $456 and $641. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dayton to Pittsburgh car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Pittsburgh to Dayton car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Pittsburgh to Dayton:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Pittsburgh
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Pittsburgh, PA:
- Pittsburgh Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Pittsburgh Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from PA to OH
Relocating from Pittsburgh to Dayton means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Pittsburgh to Dayton, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 255-mile drive from Pittsburgh to Dayton into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Pennsylvania to Ohio is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Pittsburgh to Dayton. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Dayton. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Pittsburgh to Dayton car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Pittsburgh to Dayton, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Pittsburgh to Dayton, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Pittsburgh are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Dayton? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Pittsburgh will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Dayton than a compact car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 255 miles from Pittsburgh to Dayton is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Pennsylvania.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Pittsburgh and Dayton play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Pittsburgh summers are hot and winters are moderately cold with wide variations in temperature. Despite this, it has one of the most pleasant summer climates between medium and large cities in the U.S
September, June and May are the best months to move to Dayton.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Pittsburgh to Dayton in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 255-mile drive between Pittsburgh and Dayton, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Pittsburgh to Dayton takes between one and four days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Pittsburgh and Dayton vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Pittsburgh: Application Fee: $0.00 Permit Fee: For moving truck: $25.00 per truck for two (2) days maximum For moving container: $75.00 per week for two (2) week maximum
- Dayton: Make sure to check with the City of Dayton for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Dayton.
Car insurance requirements
- Pittsburgh: When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
- Dayton: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.
Vehicle inspections
- Pittsburgh: If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- Dayton: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
Driver’s license
- Pittsburgh: When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
- Dayton: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Pittsburgh to Dayton?
The cost to ship a car from Pittsburgh, PA to Dayton, OH varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Pittsburgh to Dayton will range from $456 to $641.
How long will it take to ship my car from Pittsburgh to Dayton?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 255 miles from Pittsburgh to Dayton. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Pittsburgh to Dayton?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Pittsburgh to Dayton. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Pittsburgh to Dayton?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Pittsburgh to Dayton than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 255-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
606 Liberty Ave 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 US
155 Crown Ct, Oakdale, PA 15071 US
1010 Freyburg St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 US
100 Rosslyn Rd, Carnegie, PA 15106 US
800 Streets Run Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 US